Everyone makes mistakes throughout life, and by the time we reach a certain age, we inevitably have regrets. Hindsight is 20/20, and when you look back, you’ll clearly see the moments you wish you had handled differently. But we want to help you avoid that. Forget hindsight—take action now. We’ve put together a list of 37 things you should avoid doing to prevent future regrets. Trust us, it’s worth taking the time to read through these.
1.) Not traveling when you had the chance. Travel becomes more difficult as you age, with more responsibilities and higher costs.
2.) Not learning another language. If you studied a language in high school, put it to good use.
3.) Staying in a bad relationship. It may be tough to leave, but staying in a toxic situation is far worse.
4.) Skipping sunscreen. Over time, sun damage leads to wrinkles and discoloration.
5.) Missing the opportunity to see your favorite musicians. You never know when they might break up—seize the moment.
6.) Letting fear hold you back. Don’t let fear paralyze you; take action despite it.
7.) Neglecting physical fitness. As you age, you’ll realize how crucial it is to care for your body.
8.) Letting gender roles define you. Define yourself, don’t let society dictate who you should be.
9.) Sticking with a terrible job. You may have bills to pay, but don’t force yourself to be miserable every day.
10.) Not trying harder in school. Beyond grades, learning discipline and dedication is key.
11.) Not realizing your own beauty. Beauty has many forms; don’t think you’re unworthy of attention.
12.) Being afraid to say “I love you.” Love is a gift, even if it’s not reciprocated.
13.) Ignoring your parents’ advice. They have more experience than you may want to admit.
14.) Spending your youth being self-absorbed. The world is bigger than just you, and you’ll eventually see that.
15.) Caring too much about others’ opinions. You’ll find that true happiness doesn’t depend on what others think.
16.) Supporting others’ dreams over your own. While it’s good to be kind, don’t sacrifice your happiness.
17.) Moving too slowly. Don’t hesitate—wasting time leads to regrets.
18.) Holding grudges against loved ones. Let go of your pain instead of dwelling on it.
19.) Not standing up for yourself. Others may disagree, but don’t abandon your principles.
20.) Not volunteering enough. Helping others, especially those in need, is always worthwhile.
21.) Neglecting your teeth. Flossing and brushing now will save you from bigger problems later.
22.) Missing the chance to talk to your grandparents. They hold valuable wisdom, but won’t be around forever.
23.) Working too much. Overworking can cause you to miss life’s best moments or be too stressed to enjoy them.
24.) Not learning to cook one great meal. It adds joy to gatherings with family and friends.
25.) Not appreciating the moment. Put down the phone and be present in what you’re doing.
26.) Failing to finish what you start. Each day is a new opportunity—don’t squander it.
27.) Not mastering a fun party trick. It may seem silly, but it can create unforgettable memories.
28.) Letting cultural expectations define you. You’re not obligated to follow others’ career expectations.
29.) Forcing friendships that have run their course. Sometimes, it’s healthier to let go.
30.) Not playing enough with your children. Kids bring joy—don’t miss out on it.
31.) Not taking big risks, especially in love. Big risks can lead to big rewards.
32.) Not building a network of contacts. Networking may seem like schmoozing, but it’s crucial for your career.
33.) Worrying too much. Worrying about what hasn’t happened yet is pointless.
34.) Getting caught up in needless drama. Drama can be addictive, but it’s a waste of energy.
35.) Not spending enough time with loved ones. Life is short—don’t take time with loved ones for granted.
36.) Never performing in front of others. Even if it’s not your calling, it’s an important life experience to try at least once.
37.) Not expressing gratitude sooner. Learn to say thank you and truly mean it; it will improve many aspects of your life.
It’s never too late to make changes in your life, so start now by avoiding these regrets. You won’t be sorry—see what I did there? Share this wisdom with your friends, too!